Join Award-Winning Photographers Mark LaRowe and Joseph Rossbach for an Extraordinary Adventure in Eastern Montana’s Hidden Badlands

Discover a hidden gem of the American West with acclaimed photographers Mark LaRowe and Joseph Rossbach as they guide you through the captivating and little-known badlands of Eastern Montana. Often overshadowed by the state’s famous mountainous landscapes, this unique region offers some of the most stunning and underappreciated natural scenery in the country.

While Montana is famously known as “The Big Sky State” and renowned for its 64 named mountain ranges—predominantly located in the western half of the state—Eastern Montana unveils a completely different world. Far removed from the towering Rockies, the eastern portion of the state is characterized by an astonishing array of cap rocks, eroded cliffs, and sedimentary layers that paint a dramatic, otherworldly landscape.

A highlight of this adventure is the breathtaking Makoshika State Park, located just south of Glendive. As one of the most under-recognized wonders in the U.S., Makoshika is home to some of the most striking hoodoos (tall, thin spires of rock), rivaling those found in more famous parks across the country. The park’s name, derived from the Lakota language, translates to "bad land"—an apt description of the rugged, wind-swept terrain that offers a photographer's paradise with vibrant colors and dramatic shapes.

Not far from Glendive lies another hidden treasure—the Terry Badlands Wilderness Study Area, a landscape that bears a striking resemblance to the well-known Badlands National Park in South Dakota. Here, you'll explore vast expanses of colorful, banded cliffs that overlook endless, rolling prairies. These badlands are home to geological features like dry washes, rock spires, and ancient sedimentary formations that stretch for miles in every direction, providing an awe-inspiring backdrop for photography and adventure.

On this photographic expedition, you’ll have the rare opportunity to capture the diverse textures and colors of the landscape, from the deep reds and oranges of the rock formations to the soft, sweeping grasslands. With expert guidance from LaRowe and Rossbach, you’ll learn advanced techniques for capturing the dramatic light and unique features of these striking badlands.

This workshop is designed not only for photographers of all skill levels but for anyone looking to experience the rugged beauty and serenity of one of the least-explored corners of Montana. 

In June, the prairie is layered in colorful array of wildflowers. In addition, we will explore historic abandoned homestead and town ruins on the prairie. Large thunderstorms are possible and create incredible drama and backdrop for the prairie photographs.

Whether you're seeking to enhance your photographic skills, learn about the geology and natural history of the region, or simply immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the area, this trip promises an unforgettable experience.

Day One: Arrival and Introduction
We’ll kick off the workshop at 5:00 PM at the Holiday Inn Express in Glendive, Montana, where your hosts, award-winning photographers Joe Rossbach and Mark LaRowe, will provide an engaging introductory presentation. During this session, they’ll walk you through essential techniques and workflows for capturing the breathtaking landscapes of Eastern Montana’s prairies and badlands. You’ll also have the opportunity to view sample images and learn how to approach this unique terrain creatively.

A casual pizza dinner with beverages will be served, giving everyone a chance to mingle, ask questions, and discuss expectations for the workshop.

Day Two - Four: Field Photography and Classroom Sessions
Each day, we’ll rise early to maximize the golden hour—the soft, magical light that occurs at sunrise. We’ll head out well before dawn to capture the spectacular badlands and prairie landscapes at their most dramatic. Expect a full day of shooting, with an emphasis on mastering lighting, composition, and how to approach the diverse elements of the landscape, such as hoodoos, colorful cliffs, and sweeping vistas.

In the early afternoons, we’ll break for a classroom session. These sessions will focus on key areas of post-processing, including workflow, image enhancements, and editing tips. Joe and Mark will also lead image critiques, offering feedback on your work from the morning’s shoot, helping you refine your skills and develop your photographic eye.

After a break for dinner, we’ll head back into the field for late-day shoots, capturing the shifting light and dramatic landscapes at sunset. Each evening promises new locations and opportunities to photograph the badlands under the golden hues of the late afternoon.

Day Five: Final Shoot and Conclusion
On the final day, we’ll get up for one last sunrise shoot to capture the early morning light. Afterward, we’ll conclude the workshop with a final gathering back at the Holiday Inn Express by 9:00 AM, giving everyone ample time to wrap up their equipment, check out of the hotel, and begin their travels home (or further explorations in the area).

Throughout the workshop, Joe and Mark will provide personalized guidance, ensuring you gain the skills and confidence to photograph the diverse landscapes of Montana's badlands. Whether you’re just starting out or an experienced photographer, this workshop is designed to inspire and elevate your work, with a focus on hands-on learning and immersive field experiences.

This workshop is suitable for photographers of all fitness levels, but participants should be prepared for some moderate outdoor activity. We’ll be exploring a variety of terrain, including dirt paths, rocky surfaces, and the rugged clay badlands.

Each day will involve some hiking, with distances of up to 1 mile each way. The trails may include small hills and elevation changes, so a moderate level of fitness is recommended, especially for those who are new to hiking or unfamiliar with uneven terrain. However, the pace will be relaxed, and frequent stops will be made for both photography and rest.

Comfortable hiking boots or shoes with good tread are highly recommended, as well as layers for varying weather conditions, which can change quickly in the Montana outdoors.

Overall, the focus will be on the beauty of the landscape and getting the best shots, so if you're ready for some light hiking, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to capture the stunning vistas that make this region so unique.

• Build a Strong Technical and Creative Foundation in Outdoor Photography
  Whether you're just starting out or have experience in photography, this workshop will help you develop a solid foundation. You'll gain practical knowledge of both the technical aspects of photography (such as exposure, focus, and composition) and the creative techniques that make landscape photography so captivating. By the end of the workshop, you'll have the tools to capture stunning images no matter the conditions.
• Master the Art of "Seeing the Light" and Location Scouting
  One of the most important aspects of landscape photography is understanding light. In this workshop, you'll learn how to anticipate and use natural light to your advantage, whether it's the soft glow of sunrise or the dramatic contrasts of late afternoon. You’ll also gain valuable skills in weather forecasting to better predict the best conditions for capturing stunning scenes. Additionally, you’ll learn how to scout locations effectively to find compositions that maximize the potential of the landscape.
• Use Filters to Control Dynamic Range
  Filters are powerful tools that help manage exposure and control dynamic range, especially in high-contrast lighting conditions. You’ll get hands-on experience using polarizing filters, ND filters, and graduated ND filtersto balance highlights and shadows, resulting in more natural and striking images.
• Craft Dynamic Compositions That Engage the Viewer
  Capturing the essence of a landscape is more than just pointing a camera at it. You'll learn how to make dynamic compositions that draw the viewer’s eye and create a sense of movement, energy, and depth. Techniques such as leading lines, framing, and the rule of thirds will be covered in-depth, ensuring that your images not only tell a story but also captivate the viewer.
• Choose Aperture and Master Hyperfocal Focusing for Depth of Field
  Depth of field is a crucial component of landscape photography. You’ll learn how to effectively choose the right aperture for each scene, and how to use hyperfocal focusing to achieve sharpness from the foreground all the way to the horizon. This technique is essential for maximizing focus and clarity in vast, wide-open landscapes like those in Montana’s badlands and prairies.
• Bring Your Images to Life with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop
  Post-processing is where your images really come alive. In our classroom sessions, you’ll learn beginner to advanced techniques in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, focusing on both global and local adjustments. From color correction and exposure fixes to advanced masking and dodging & burning, you’ll walk away with the skills to enhance your images in a way that aligns with your creative vision.
• Individualized Instruction and Image Critiques in the Field and Classroom
  One of the unique aspects of this workshop is the personalized attention you'll receive. Both Joe and Mark will provide one-on-one instruction in the field, offering feedback as you shoot and helping you troubleshoot any technical or creative challenges. During classroom sessions, you’ll also receive image critiques, allowing you to improve your editing skills and refine your photographic style.
• Photograph the Diverse Landscapes of the Badlands, Hoodoos, Big Sky Prairies, and Classic Western Vistas
  From the jagged hoodoos of Makoshika State Park to the rolling prairies and wide-open Big Sky vistas, this workshop will immerse you in some of the most photogenic locations in the American West. You’ll also have the opportunity to photograph wildlife in their natural habitat, as well as iconic western landscapes that capture the essence of Montana’s rugged beauty.
• Chase Sunrise, Sunset, and Dramatic Monsoon Weather
  Montana's weather is as dynamic as its landscape, and during this workshop, you'll learn how to make the most of unpredictable conditions. Capture the magic of sunrise and sunset over dramatic geological formations, and, if the weather cooperates, chase monsoon storms, which can bring incredible clouds, light, and atmospheric effects to your images.

Lodging, Transportation, and Meals:
Participants are responsible for their own lodging, transportation, and meals during the workshop.

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Glendive, Montana for the duration of the workshop. This convenient and comfortable hotel will serve as our base, offering a relaxing space to unwind after each day of shooting.

Hotel Details:

• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Glendive
• 1919 N Merrill Ave, Glendive, MT 59330
• Phone: +1-406-377-3300
• Website: IHG.com

To secure your room, please call the hotel directly or book online. When making your reservation, be sure to reference “Joseph Rossbach Photography Workshop” to receive the group rate.

To secure your spot in this workshop, a non-refundable deposit of $300.00 USD is required at the time of booking. The final payment of $1,995.00 USD is due 60 days prior to the workshop start date.

Approximately 45 days before the workshop begins, you will receive an invoice for the remaining balance of $1,995.00. Payments can be made via credit card or check.

Please note that the deposit is non-refundable, and all payments must be completed by the specified deadlines to confirm your participation in the workshop.